The Pantanal: Broad Snout Caimans

The Pantanal is a large wetland lying mostly in Brazil. Because of the great diversity of wildlife and its unspoiled nature, it has been designated a UNESCO world heritage site. Like the Okavanga in Botswana, Area floods and dries out each year. Drought times concentrate the wildlife in areas with water making it a wonderful shooting opportunity.

Caimans are related to alligators, smaller and less aggressive than a Nile crocodile. To photograph this group, I set up my tripod low and chose a wide-angle lens. Then I scooted within a foot or two of the animals. At the same time they slowly approached so once I had set up, the group would get too close for comfort and I had to back up. This wasn’t a life threatening situation; however, I didn’t pay attention and could’ve received a nasty bite.

Don't forget to check out my show, ART WOLFE'S TRAVELS TO THE EDGE, on your local PBS channel to learn more about the Pantanal and it's inhabitants, the caimans, and my other worldly travels.